The Rebellion of Humphrey Stafford in 1486

based on C H Williams’ article in English Historical Review, vol 43, 1928, pp 181-189

Although this rebellion was a dismal failure it is significant for three reasons; as yet another example of resistance to the fledgling Tudor dynasty; an illustration of the King’s interest in and influence on the administration of his realm; and it was a landmark incident on the use of sanctuary.

Little is known of the episode but examination of the legal proceedings that followed the events provide a little more detail. Humphrey Stafford together with his younger brother, Thomas, and Richard III’s great friend, Francis Lovell, following their master’s defeat at Bosworth, left their sanctuary in Colchester. Lovell headed north whilst the brothers went to the west country where they planned to seize Worcester. Stafford established personal contact in the vicinity and sent messages to the others. As an attainted man he was unlikely to attract support so he spread the story that Henry had pardoned him and produced forged documents to support his claim. Now, having established himself as the King’s ‘true liegeman’ his plans began to take shape and he spread rumours amongst his new adherents. Indictments record stories that Edward, Earl of Warwick, had been set free in Guernsey and transported to Yorkshire and that the King was captured. The Staffords successfully entered Worcester, due to the negligence of the authorities to provide an adequate guard. They urged their men to ride north with all speed to ‘assist Lovell in the destruction of Henry VII’. All came to nothing. The King on reaching Pontefract on 20th April found that ‘rumours were distilling in to facts’ and sent a force westwards. Richard Burdett warned Stafford of the approaching royalist force and he fled to Bewdley, just missing capture by Thomas Cokesey, and from there to Culham in Oxfordshire.

The brothers’ sanctuary, however, was violated on 13th May by John Savage heading a force of sixty men. Humphrey Stafford’s defence was based on the sanctuary violation and he was brought to court on 20th June, though the case was adjourned until the 28th. The judges did not come to their conclusion easily but ‘after indications of the King’s desires, the judges came to a decision.’ Sanctuary could not be pleaded in cases of treason. A precedent had been set. Stafford was condemned on 5th July to a traitor’s death. His younger brother was pardoned.